His most famous books have influenced generations of fantasy buffs, role-playing game participants and even rock musicians. Now comes word that the estate of the late J.R.R. Tolkien is releasing a story first penned by the author 100 years ago.
The unfinished work, known as The Story of Kullervo, is scheduled for release August 27. According to the official Tolkien website, it's a tale about an orphan who has supernatural powers and seeks vengeance against a magician who killed his family and sold him into slavery, with tragic results.
The story is said to offer an early glimpse at Tolkien's development of his legendary Middle Earth, featured in The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy. While it was previously published in a journal, this scheduled release is the first time The Story of Kullervo will be sold as a standalone volume.
A local librarian and Tolkien enthusiast says what readers should not expect is a piece similar to those more famous works.
"When I see a book like this I'm always interested to read it, but a lot of people, it they think they're going to get another Lord of the Rings or a direct connection are probably going to be disappointed," said Jonathan Coe, head reference librarian for the Niagara University Library.
Tolkien's more famous works were made into movies in recent years, one of which (Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King) won 11 Oscars including Best Picture in 2004.
Previously, Tolkien's works inspired characters and settings in role-playing games, the most famous example being Dungeons & Dragons.
Tolkien's work has also influenced pop culture. The rock band Led Zeppelin, for example, referenced Tolkien works in no less than three songs ("Ramble On," "Misty Mountain Hop" and "The Battle of Evermore").
"It's good writing. It's grounded more in a good literary basis than, say science fiction," said Coe when asked about the appeal of Tolkien.
